Cuttack, Odisha – Violence broke out in Cuttack on Sunday during a motorcycle rally organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), sparking tension across multiple parts of the city. The unrest began as the rally reached the Dargah Bazaar area, where clashes erupted between protesters and police forces.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control as angry mobs vandalized vehicles parked along the streets and set several on fire, including a police vehicle. To control the escalating violence, law enforcement resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas, dispersing the crowds and sealing off the area.
As a result of the chaos, local markets shut down and panic spread among residents. Senior officials, including Police Commissioner S. Devdutta Singh and DCP Rishikesh Dyanadev Khilari, rushed to the scene to oversee operations and restore order.
The rally came a day ahead of a citywide shutdown called by the VHP to protest a communal altercation that took place on Friday night during a Dussehra idol immersion procession. The incident had led to clashes between two communities, fueling unrest.
The VHP has accused the police of negligence, citing the presence of over 1,000 CCTV cameras and drone surveillance during Friday’s events. Sunday's rally was intended to demonstrate protest against the alleged inaction.
During the Sunday violence, more than 30 police personnel were injured, while the earlier incident had left six others- including a DCP - wounded, with two reported to be in critical condition. Six individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the incidents.
Given the gravity of the situation, the Cuttack Police Commissioner imposed a 36-hour curfew across 13 police station limits, starting Sunday night at 10 PM. In addition, District Magistrate Dattatreya Bhau Saheb Shinde announced a temporary ban on social media in the region until 7 PM Monday to curb the spread of misinformation and rumors.
The unrest has spilled over into Balasore district, where tensions are reportedly building between communities. On Sunday evening, police conducted a flag march in Balasore city to reassure the public and maintain peace.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has appealed to citizens to maintain peace and unity, directing the state DGP to monitor the situation closely and take strict action against any miscreants involved.
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